Korea and Italy Join Forces on AI-Driven Public Procurement Innovation

Korea and Italy Join Forces on AI-Driven Public Procurement InnovationExpanding AI and Digital Procurement Cooperation, Opening a New Chapter in Their 19-Year Partnership – Sixth renewal of the MOU since the first agreement signed in 2008 amid strong bilateral ties – Expanding cooperation in e-procurement, innovative procurement, and green procurement, while strengthening digital collaboration in AI and data integrationPublic Procurement Service (PPS) (Administrator Baek Seung-bo) and Consip, Italy’s central purchasing body (CEO and General Manager Marco Reggiani), signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) online on June 1, 2026, to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of public procurement.PPS and Consip have jointly played a leading role in the Multilateral Meeting on Government Procurement (MMGP), a consultative body of central procurement agencies worldwide, since 2009.Since first signing an MOU in 2008, the two institutions have maintained a cooperative partnership for the advancement of public procurement through five renewals of the agreement.The latest renewal was initiated following Consip’s strong interest in Korea’s next-generation KONEPS system showcased at the 2025 MMGP. The renewed MOU aims to identify new areas of cooperation in the era of AI transformation (AX) and further strengthen bilateral ties.Under the renewed agreement, the two organizations will exchange best practices in AI-driven digital procurement innovation and operational know-how related to advanced e-procurement systems. They also plan to jointly identify exemplary cases in the areas of innovative procurement and green procurement.The outcomes of the cooperation will be shared with the international community through bilateral and multilateral workshops, thereby contributing to the advancement of global public procurement.At the proposal of Consip, the heads of the two institutions are expected to meet in person in the second half of this year to discuss not only broader directions for cooperation but also practical collaboration measures, including exchanges of procurement companies and professionals.Administrator Baek Seung-bo stated, “The renewal of the MOU marks a new starting point for Korea and Italy to shape the future of public procurement together in the AI era, building on the trust and cooperation that our two institutions have developed over the past 19 years.”He added, “By jointly identifying and sharing best practices in e-procurement, innovative procurement, and green procurement, including the AI transformation of public procurement, we will contribute to the advancement of the global public procurement community.”* 문의: 국제협력담당관실 신봉기 사무관(042-724-7470)